During this period, when disciples were growing in number, a grievance arose on the part of those who spoke Greek, against those who spoke the language of the Jews; they complained that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. The Twelve called the whole company of disciples together and said,

It would not be fitting for us to neglect the word of God in order assist in the distribution. Therefore, friends, pick seven men of good repute from your number, men full of the Spirit and of wisdom, and we will appoint them for this duty; then we can devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

This proposal proved acceptable to the whole company. They elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, along with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch, who had been a convert from Judaism, and presented them to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

The word of God spread more and more widely; the number of disciples in Jerusalem was increasing rapidly, and very many of the priests adhered to the faith.

Psalm 33:1-5, 18-22 (Revised English Bible):

Shout for joy in the LORD, you that are righteous;

praise comes well from the upright.

Give thanks to the LORD on the lyre;

make music to him on the ten-stringed harp.

Sing to him a new song;

strike up with all your skill and shout in triumph,

for the word of the LORD holds true,

and all his work endures.

He is a lover of righteousness and justice;

the earth is filled with the LORD’s unfailing love.

The LORD’s eyes are turned towards those who fear him,

towards those who hope for his unfailing love

to deliver them from death,

and in famine to preserve them alive.

We have waited eagerly for the LORD;

he is our help and our shield.

In him our hearts are glad,

because we have trusted in his holy name.

LORD, let your unfailing love rest on us,

as we have put our hope in you.

John 6:16-21 (Anchor Bible):

As evening drew on, his [Jesus’] disciples came down to the sea. Having embarked, they were trying to cross the sea to Capernaum. By this time it was dark, and still Jesus had not joined them; moreover, with a strong wind blowing, the sea was becoming rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they sighted Jesus walking upon the sea, approaching the boat. They were frightened, but he told them,

It is I; do not be afraid.

So they wanted to take him into the boat, and suddenly the boat reached the shore toward which they had been going.

The Collect:

O Lord, the life of the faithful, the glory of the saints, and the delight of those who trust in you: Hear our supplications, and quench, we pray, the thirst of those who long for your promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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There are two kinds of fear: good and bad. Good fear tells me not to touch a hot surface, for example. This variety of fear preserves me from needless and avoidable foolishness. This day’s readings concern bad fear, however.

Bad fear is spiritually corrosive. It prompts us to take our eyes off Jesus and not to trust in God. Bad fear shifts our focus from our blessings to our anxieties. These can assume a variety of forms: financial, psychological, emotional, food-related, legal, et cetera. And they are real and genuine reasons for concern. Everyone who has lived long enough has accumulated these. I know fear as I write this devotional. Sometimes I experience episodes of crippling fear, but these end. From late 2006 to middle 2007 I was at my low point; I would have welcomed death, not that I would have committed suicide then. (I was too afraid to do that.) But, with much divine and human help, I emerged from the crisis. And I am stronger spiritually today because of it.

Experience teaches me that God casts out fear and calls me seek the divine face. Life tells me that when I occupy a dark valley God is with me. If I do not recognize this fact, I have not looked closely enough.

I write this devotional during a recession which affects mostly people who did not cause it. During economic difficulties many people give voice to resentments, especially those located at the intersection of racism and economics. Much of talk radio and 24-hour news channel programming relies on fear and fear-related anger to fill airtime and attract audiences. Positive programming, although edifying, is less of a draw that fear-baiting. Political strategists have known for many years that scaring people is more effective electoral strategy than appealing to the higher angels of human nature.

Who can deliver us from negative fear? Only God.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

APRIL 6, 2010 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF SAINT MARCELLINUS OF CARTHAGE, ROMAN CATHOLIC MARTYR

THE FEAST OF ALBRECHT DURER, MATTHIAS GRUNEWALD, AND LUCAS CRANACH THE ELDER, ARTISTS